2012 US Youth Soccer Male and Female Young Referee of the Year Award Winners Announced

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 18, 2013) — The recipients of the 2012 US Youth Soccer Young Referee of the Year award were announced tonight at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2013 US Youth Soccer Workshop in Indianapolis. The national US Youth Soccer Young Referee of the Year award winners are Ashley Marroquin of Holt, Mich., and Jordan Cavaco of Brockton, Mass.

When injuries ended Ashley Marroquin’s playing career, she didn’t give up on the game. Instead, she became a volunteer coach and pursued refereeing. Marroquin is always working to learn more about refereeing and isn’t afraid to ask questions. She’s gained refereeing experience at US Youth Soccer ODP and Michigan State Cup events, and she was an active attendee at FIFA Referee Margaret Domka’s clinic during the summer. Outside of soccer, Marroquin works in a support group to help younger peers with challenges.

Since starting as a Grade 9 Referee in 2007, Jordan Cavaco worked hard to become a Grade 7 Referee by October of 2011. He’s worked numerous events, including the 2012 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup and the 2012 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships. Cavaco is respectful of players and coaches and sees refereeing as a way to show and improve his knowledge of the game. He’s also been involved as a player and TOPSoccer Buddy.

Recipients of the Young Referee of the Year awards are selected by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors based on their strong work ethic, knowledge of the rules of the game and service as positive role models.